So many souls lay forgotten,so many stories untold.
Later we wonder if the ones we loved left this world knowing how much they meant to us, and how much they still mean to us.
After it's all said and done, how their lives have made our lives what they are today: a little stronger and a LOT more precious for having loved and been loved by them.
This is a memorial to you, Joe, to let you know how much you are still loved,
the stories of your soul,and memories in our hearts that we will forever keep close within us.
This is a biography of Joseph Michael Cochran Jr.,who was well known, loved,and special to many people in his short life here with us.
Joe was born on Wednesday,September 26,1973.
When he was little he was everything a little boy could be.
He liked playing outside, digging for worms and doodlebugs, riding his bike,playing sports, torturing his little cousins and sibling, and playing Atari.
Joe grew up in New Orleans East, where he attended elementary school at Little Woods Elementary, which was right around the corner from his house.
He attended there from Kindergarten to Sixth grade, from 1978 to 1985,where he graduated to middle school.
Joe attended Fannie C. Williams Middle School from 1985 to 1987.
His parents then decided to begin his education at Brother Martin Catholic High School.
Joe attended Brother Martin Catholic High School for his Ninth and Tenth grade years from 1987 to 1989.
He was the only child of three to attend a Catholic High School.
Financially it became hard for his parents to keep up with the rising cost of tuition.
Joe then attended Marion Abramson High School from 1989 to 1991.
Joe graduated from Marion Abramson High School.
Joe went on to attend college at the University of New Orleans for a few years.
Joe had a few jobs throughout his time here.
He worked as a cook at Chinese Chef Kitchen , a Department Manager at Wal-Mart, a Store Manager at K&B, a Store Manager at Schwegmann's, all of these in New Orleans East.
He was a Store Manager at Schwegmann's and Department Manager at Wal-Mart in Chalmette,and most recently a Store Manager at Albertson's.
Joe also owned a pool hall, called,"The Break Room", in Metairie.
He was a sponser and member of Billiard Congress of America Pool League.
He had many trophys that he had won and after his passing was honored with another trophy from the Billiard Congress of America Pool League.
Joe met Kristine when he worked at Wal-Mart in Chalmette.
They were together a few years and decided to get married on September 21, 1996.
While they were married they had a beautiful little boy, Michael Joseph Cochran. We can only wish
that his son will one day know what a great man his father was. Many hearts will forever be in limbo because of Joe's wonderful character and inspiring selflessness.
Joe left behind his Father and Mother: Joe Sr. and Norma Cochran, two sisters, Marie and Chee-ah, two nephews, John and Carl, and two nieces, one he knew, Christin and Lee-ah, one he watches over. Lots of family and dear friends, and his precious son Michael Joseph Cochran to carry on his legacy and hopefully his motto too:" I came into this world with nothing,and I am sure to leave it with nothing. So while I am here I will help all who ask by doing all that I can. I will enjoy each day, not worrying what tomorrow will bring because we haven't yet made it through today".
Joe has moved on to his new life on February 13,2001, but he will always remain here in the hearts of those of us who knew and loved him.
We all love ya Joe "Rest In Peace".